UConn & New Haven Meet in Historic Season Opener

EAST HARTFORD, CT – The No. 4 UConn Huskies, fresh off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, will kick off their highly anticipated 2024 season at home against the New Haven Chargers on Thursday, August 29th. This historic matchup, marking the first-ever gridiron clash between the two Connecticut-based programs, is slated for a 7 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

UConn enters the season ranked fourth in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, a testament to their exceptional 2023 campaign which saw them achieve a 10-3 record and clinch the Big East Championship before their deep playoff run. Guiding the Huskies is Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Peters, who returns after an electrifying season where he amassed over 4,200 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. The Huskies’ potent offense also features dynamic running back Marcus Jones, who racked up 1,500 rushing yards and 18 scores, and star wide receiver David Lee, who contributed 1,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Head Coach Jim Mora, now in his fourth year, has consistently elevated the program and aims to build on last season’s success.

Their opponents, the New Haven Chargers, are a Division I FCS team coached by Joe Spallone, now in his second year at the helm. The Chargers were picked to finish fourth in the Northeast Conference’s preseason poll, reflecting a program on the rise. Key players for New Haven include quarterback Mike Johnson, who threw for 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, and running back Chris Brown, who added 900 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns to their offensive attack. For the Chargers, this game represents a significant opportunity to gain national exposure and test their capabilities against one of college football’s premier teams.

The August 29th contest holds a unique place in Connecticut sports history as it will be the inaugural meeting between UConn and New Haven on the football field. While both institutions are located within the state, their athletic programs have largely operated in different divisions, making this cross-divisional matchup a rare and intriguing event for local fans.

Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, with a capacity of approximately 38,000, is expected to host a spirited crowd eager to see the Huskies begin their quest for another Big East title and a potential return to the College Football Playoff. For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live nationally on CBS Sports Network. Tickets for this historic opener are still available through the UConn Athletics website and authorized ticket vendors.

For Coach Mora and the Huskies, a strong performance against New Haven is crucial to set an assertive tone for the challenging season ahead. Meanwhile, the Chargers will look to make the most of their formidable opponent, aiming to gain valuable experience and build momentum for their own Northeast Conference campaign.